Spinetail Safaris

Bird north coast Kenya with the professionals…

Spinetail Safaris is a unique local eco-tourism company of professional guides specialising particularly in birds but with expertise in other areas as well. We are based on the north coast of Kenya at Arabuko-Sokoke Forest near Malindi and cover all the sites and habitats of interest found within the Malindi-Watamu area.

Where we operate

The Malindi-Watamu area covers an unusually wide diversity of habits, ranging from dry coastal forest, coastal scrub, seasonal fresh water pools, estuarine sand flats and mangrove forest, to beach, reef and off–shore rocky islands.

Several of these sites are internationally important for wildlife conservation. A significant area of them is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and includes a National Marine Park and reserve, a forest reserve, and four Important Bird Areas [IBAs].

The latter are the stronghold for five globally endangered and one globally vulnerable bird species and home to internationally important numbers of wetlands birds.

Arabuko–Sokoke Forest, one of the IBAs, is considered the second most important forest for bird conservation in Africa. Over 270 species of birds, including one endemic, Clarke’s Weaver Ploceus golandi have been recorded here.

Watamu Marine Park is the oldest marine park in Africa boasting over 1,000 species of fish.

The Watamu area therefore provides a superb opportunity for extreme quality birding and enjoyment of the natural world. A weekend’s birding in the area can produce over 200 species of bird observed.

Aims of Spinetail Safaris

Spinetail Safaris aims to provide a top quality guiding service for visitors, covering the diverse and often rare and endangered wildlife and vegetation of this special part of Kenya.

Spinetail Safaris offers professional assistance to Researchers studying the eco-systems of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and surrounding areas. In so doing we also seek to improve our understanding and knowledge of the natural history of the region and thus improve our services.

Underlying all this, Spinetail Safaris seeks to play an active role in the conservation of the endangered habitats and species where we operate. We regularly assist in the local environmental education programme with schools, raising awareness about the importance of protecting the environment.

Furthermore, 10% of all proceeds from guiding is contributed to the Arabuko–Sokoke Schools and Eco-Tourism Scheme (ASSETS) which goes directly to support needy children in secondary school around the forest and creek.

Meet the Spinetail Safaris Guides

All Spinetail Safari Guides are holders of the Forest & Creek Professional Guide Certificate recognised by the Kenya Wildlife Service & the BirdLife International partner, NatureKenya.

	David Ngala was the first bird Guide in Arabuko-Sokoke and is known internationally for his passion for the forest and his intimate knowledge of its birds and the traditional uses of many of its 600-odd plant species. He started guiding in 1983 in his spare time and has also led tours in other parts of Kenya and as far afield as Uganda and Tanzania. He is a member of the Friends of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest committee and an avid conservationist. He is also a notorious story-teller.
	Willy Kombe started guiding in Arabuko-Sokoke and surrounding areas in 1993 focussing particularly on birds, plants and animals. Willy is involved in regular monitoring and research activities in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest having assisted particularly in projects on the Sokoke Scops Owl, Amani Sunbird, Sokoke Pipit and Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew.
	Albert Baya has been guiding in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest since 1996 and specialises in birds and plants. He is one of the few people able to find the Sokoke Scops Owl at its daytime roost and is involved in regular bird monitoring activities. Coming from a family background rich in local Giriama traditions, he is extremely knowledgeable in the tribal culture. Albert is also conversant in the German language.

How to find us

The Spinetail Safaris office is just off the Malindi-Mombasa highway on the road to Tsavo opposite the petrol station at the Watamu junction in Gede.

Communications and local infrastructure are good with daily flights to Malindi and buses from Mombasa and Nairobi, making it easily accessible to visitors.

Contacts

Spinetail Safaris
P.O. Box 107
Watamu
80202

Telephone numbers:
+254 0734-652610
+254 7214-01956
+254 7339-71604

E-mail: spinetailsafaris@yahoo.com